KAUFMAN, Texas — A Terrell State Hospital patient who was admitted into Presbyterian Hospital in Kaufman, Texas, escaped custody Friday night, February 27, 2015, and was later captured.
KAUFMAN, Texas — A Terrell State Hospital patient who was admitted into Presbyterian Hospital in Kaufman, Texas, escaped custody Friday night, February 27, 2015, and was later captured.
The man, described as Hispanic and in his 30s, was admitted to the hospital on the third floor, according to Kaufman Police Department Captain Ed Black who was speaking to inForney.com correspondent Danielle Haynes. “He saw a chance to run and he took off running,” he said.
The man escaped wearing hospital robes, no shoes, and was last seen going into a wooded area behind the hospital. From there, police say, he was able to make it to the Kaufman Walmart where he stole clothing and shoes.
The Kaufman Police Department set up command behind the hospital, established a perimeter, and requested assistance from neighboring agencies. Several helicopters from different departments were requested but denied due to weather concerns.
Just before 10 p.m., Kaufman County Sheriff’s deputies spotted the man at Denny’s on U.S. Highway 175 near Walmart where he was captured wearing a camouflage and black colored hoodie, camouflage pants, and tennis shoes. He was later turned back over to Terrell State Hospital custody.
“We’re not going to charge him [with anything] due to his mental state,” stated Black.
Police say the man did not pose a threat to the public and were more concerned about him being in the cold weather. “We were more worried about him due to how cold the temperature was outside,” said Black.
Temperatures in Kaufman were below freezing during the search.
Police did not disclose why the man was admitted to Terrell State Hospital but did say he was “under a warrant.” It is also unknown what the man was being treated for at Presbyterian Hospital.
